ORLANDO, FL. – JULY 16, 2025 – Heavy rainfall from Invest 93L brought isolated flooding to Florida counties on Tuesday including Brevard where some residents of the Mims community were displaced. The American Red Cross urges everyone to prepare now for future rainfall events as we get further into hurricane season.

This storm is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Hurricane Center.  The system is also expected to continue moving westward and could emerge or redevelop over the far northeastern to north-central portion of the Gulf, reaching the coast of Louisiana by Thursday.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters and flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible. A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. Take immediate precautions.

GET READY NOW

There are simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters.
 

• Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Make a plan to stay safe – this could include evacuating or sheltering in place, depending upon the disaster. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan for everyone in your home – including your pets. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.
• Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

FLOODING SAFETY

Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe. Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwater and your home. Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters. If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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